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After years of working closely with people in their final stages of life, hospice nurse Julie McFadden has noticed a powerful pattern. It is not about money, possessions, or status. It is something people rarely think about while they are healthy and busy, but it becomes crystal clear when life slows down and priorities shift.
Julie has spent her career caring for individuals during their most vulnerable periods. Through these deeply human moments, she has gained insights that many people never encounter until it’s too late. Through social media and speaking engagements, she now helps millions understand what truly matters. Her message is not meant to frighten, but to gently remind us of the value of the present.
Reflections in the Final Chapter
When people reach the end of their lives, their conversations change. Daily concerns and deadlines lose their urgency. Instead, people look backward, reflecting on how they lived and what they valued. According to Julie, many individuals become remarkably honest during this time, speaking openly to make sense of their existence.
One common regret is spending too much time working. While Julie acknowledges that work is a necessity for most, many patients express a wish for more balance. They regret not having more moments of presence and more time for relationships that mattered deeply to them.
The Reflection People Don't Expect
However, the most common sentiment Julie hears isn't about careers or missed opportunities. It is much simpler: Many people say they wish they had appreciated their health while they still had it.
When health is stable, it is easy to overlook. The ability to breathe easily, walk without effort, or enjoy a meal without discomfort feels ordinary. It is only when health changes that its true value becomes clear. Julie has seen countless people express a longing for the days when their bodies felt strong, realizing that the moments they once rushed through were actually gifts.
Lessons Julie Applied to Her Own Life
Witnessing these reflections has changed how Julie lives. She is now more intentional about recognizing things she might otherwise take for granted. At the end of each day, she practices simple gratitude, noting ordinary things she is thankful for:
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Being able to walk freely.
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Breathing without effort.
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Feeling sunlight on her skin.
Her experiences have also shaped her lifestyle choices. She avoids daily alcohol use, smoking, and high-risk activities, not out of judgment, but from observation. She has cared for many whose health challenges could have been reduced with different habits earlier in life.
Why These Lessons Matter at Any Age
While Julie’s work focuses on the end of life, her lessons are for everyone. You don't need to be facing a serious illness to pause and reflect. In fact, the earlier these insights are considered, the more meaningful life becomes.
Appreciating health begins with awareness—taking a moment to notice how your body feels today, resting when needed, and making choices that support long-term comfort. Julie hopes that by learning from those who have reflected deeply on their lives, we can live more fully, choosing gratitude over regret. Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from what we wish we had noticed sooner.
